Madness of an Endorphin Junkie

[stardust731]

Hey everyone! I'm new to the site! I joined the 6-week challenge beginning on January 6th but I wanted to create an ongoing log of my fitness adventures beyond the next 6 weeks. Here's the information I put under the 6-week Challenge. I'll be updating in both places over the course of the next 6 weeks. I'm looking forward to getting to meet all of you! 

 

Main Quest: Get my health back. I love being active - running, CrossFit, lifting, kettlebells, boxing/kickboxing, dance (I'm a former Zumba instructor)....you get the idea....if its active, I enjoy it. Well in July 2013, I hyperextended my knee in a boxing class and had to stop my level of intensity for the past 6 months. No running, no jumping, no dancing and (almost) no walking. I tried modifying my workouts but because I was used to higher intensity, I didn't feel like I was getting anything out of it. This was absolutely devastating to me. I let my eating get out of control over the holidays and now I feel like a chunky munky. My knee is still improving, so I've gotta take things slow - but overall I need to get my diet & fitness back in line

 

Supporting Quests: I've come up with a few supporting quests to help me get things rolling.

 

1. Get Moving More (at least 2 miles a day): Since I am still recovering from my knee injury, I've gotta take things slow but I work a desk job, so I need to get more movement in my days. I figure this 2 miles can either be walking, running, jogging or any combination of the above. I will track the time it takes me to complete the 2 miles each day and the max pace I was able to reach - this is just so I can track progress made over the next 6 weeks and ultimately over the coming year

 

2. Get My Nutrition in Line: ultimately, eating out is expensive and not beneficial to my goals....so prepping food in advance & packing lunches is gonna be key to my success    I really don't eat a lot of processed junk, I love fruits, veggies, fish & chicken - so I just need to get my butt in gear and prep my food so that I always have healthy options without having to eat out. As far as drinks go, I only drink tea, water & sparkling water. I've already cut sodas & sugary drinks out of my diet in 2013, so keeping that up is part of the plan

 

3. Start a Solid Lifting Plan: this one is easy - with the cardio that I'm doing in Quest 1 and the nutrition I'm doing in Quest 2, I need some strength training. I'm looking at a few different lifting plans right now, but will post workouts once I start them (which will probably be January 6th). I have a membership to an MMA gym as well as a full Olympic gym at home so I'll have access to free weights no matter where I am.

 

I took "starting" progress pics and measurements yesterday and will post updates every Monday through the challenge. I'll be tracking measurements & weight changes but really only to notice positive changes. I've had issues in the past with the "neurotic scale tracking" & unhealthy, obsessive food patterns, so I'm really just focused on getting healthy & strong and will use my workouts & measurements to track my positive changes

 

[stardust731]

Hey everyone - just a quick update from me. I've been keeping up with my "2 miles a day" goals and I'm feeling good. Yesterday I was able to run 1/4 mile at 5.0 MPH without tweaking my knee, so this is definite improvement! Nutrition is in line and I'm dropping some of that evil holiday water weight which is great. I've decided to keep a running ticker of my 2014 Mileage in my signature so that I can track my progress over the year. 

 

Here's my tracking so far:

 

01/01/2014:

2-Mile Time: 34:17

Top Speed: 4.5 MPH

 

01/02/2014"

2-Mile Time: 32:20

Top Speed: 5.0 MPH

 

I figure I'm averaging about a 16 min mile which isn't bad considering I'm getting over a bum knee. I figure some days will be faster than others and I can slowly improve over time. Keeping track of my times will definitely help me see progress over the course of the year. 

 

Today is a busy day for me - I've got work, a financial aid meeting at my new school (I'm in the middle of transferring colleges) and then tonight is a date night with the hubby because we are kid-free this evening! Woot! Since today is so busy, I'll probably have to split up my mileage and do two 1-mile sessions (and I'll just add the times together). There's a small gym at my workplace that's got a treadmill so I can hop on and do a quick mile on some of my breaks. Considering I'm in work clothes and not fitness gear, my times might be slower than yesterday but either way I'll be happy to get moving 

[stardust731]

Okay - got my 2 miles done for the day! Woot! Since I was at work (and thus in work clothes) I had to walk them both, but I pushed it and power-walked them both at a 17:10 min/mile pace so I'm pleased with that! 

 

My financial aid meeting was rescheduled for Monday so most likely I'll do my first lifting workout on Sunday so that I'm not stressed for time on Monday afternoon. Either way, the workout will get done & I'm excited!

 

Now, its time to be lazy, watch "Scrubs" on Netflix & snuggle on the couch with my kitty until the hubby gets out of work. We're going out for a date night! Woohoo! We're going out to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, so nutrition might be a little off today but I'm not letting it stress me out 

 

Anyways, hope you all have a good Friday!

 

01/03/2014

2-Mile Time: 34:40 (all power-walking)

Top Speed: a consistent 3.5 MPH

[stardust731]

Hey everyone! Happy "Day One of Challenge" Day!!! I hope you all had a great weekend!! My weekend was totally crazy. The hubby and I set out to make sure the garage was ready for me to start lifting today (since that's where my bench & rack are) and it turned into an entire weekend of "we will NOT be hoarders!"...not just in the garage....but in the whole house!

 

We went through boxes of stuff we haven't seen in months, took over 200 pounds of stuff (cardboard boxes, etc) to the local dump, a truck-full of stuff to Goodwill and we're STILL working on everything. Now we're mainly in the cleanup phase though so hopefully we'll be done sometime this week. So - needless to say....I got a lot of "functional" strength stuff done this weekend but I didn't have time for much else. There was lots of lifting boxes, climbing ladders, cleaning, etc - so my calorie burns were up there (and I have a lot of mystery bruises) but I didn't get my 2 miles in either day. I'm planning on doing 3 miles for 4 days this week to make up for it. 

 

So - all that being said...we are still working on getting the house perfect and the bench & rack still aren't quite ready for me to start lifting BUT I'm not going to let that derail me. If I'm not able to organize everything this afternoon, I will knock out kettlebell workouts until I am able to get the rack set up. I have kettlebells of various sizes so I can definitely give myself a good workout with those if I'm not able to use the rack just yet. Its important for me to have a clean & un-cluttered house, so if I need to take this week to do that with my hubby, then I can start the lifting plan next week. Either way, the goals of "moving more, eating better & lifting consistently" are going to be met....plus I'll have a clean house....I totally see all the perks here 

[stardust731]

Okay - so here it is: since I had to be at work by 6am, I didn't have time to take new progress pics and measurements this morning before work, so I'm going to be using the measurements & pics that I took last week. They're scary (and I'm totally a pale, white girl) but it will make the progress & changing that much sweeter when I see changes 

 

So this is me - as of last week. I gained some pudge because of my knee injury in July as well as other medical issues that happened at the end of 2013 (I was bedridden for about 4 days right before Christmas so I'm still trying to recover from that) Since dropping some water weight, my midsection is already looking better so I'm anxious to see what happens in the next few weeks. 

 

 

Measurements:

Neck: 14.5 inches

Shoulders: 43 Inches

Bust: 44 Inches

Chest (under bust): 38 Inches

Waist: 39 Inches

Belly Button: 41.5 Inches

Hips: 47 Inches

Upper Thigh (right/left): 28 inches

Mid Thigh (right/left): 25 inches

Mid Calf (right/left): 17 inches

Bicep (right/left): 14.4 inches

Forearm (right/left) 12.25 inches

Wrist: 7.25

Current Jean Size: 12

 

Honestly - I'm not going to post my weight and BF% and its changes until the very end of the challenge. I really want to focus on measurement changes and how my body is feeling overall and not fixate on a number on a scale. 

[Super Destroyer]

Hello stardust! Sounds like you are getting a lot done around the house. That should put you in the right frame of mind for the challenge. We got a bunch of things done around the house as well. Makes everything feel brighter. I can't stand clutter, either.

Have you looked into Strong lifts 5x5? I am in my 9th week, and I am loving the way I feel. It is a total body workout, and it is doing wonders for me.

Glad to see you are cooking ahead. This has been a total lifesaver for me. Most of the days that I don't do as well are when I don't plan and prepare ahead.

Sounds like a great plan, so best of luck. I am following along and look forward to see how well you do!

[stardust731]

Hello stardust! Sounds like you are getting a lot done around the house. That should put you in the right frame of mind for the challenge. We got a bunch of things done around the house as well. Makes everything feel brighter. I can't stand clutter, either.

Have you looked into Strong lifts 5x5? I am in my 9th week, and I am loving the way I feel. It is a total body workout, and it is doing wonders for me.

Glad to see you are cooking ahead. This has been a total lifesaver for me. Most of the days that I don't do as well are when I don't plan and prepare ahead.

Sounds like a great plan, so best of luck. I am following along and look forward to see how well you do!

 

Hey there Destroyer! Thanks for swinging by! I have definitely looked into Strong Lifts & think its a solid program. I've downloaded the spreadsheets & stuff so will definitely look at it in the future. I agree with you completely though - I can't stand clutter and a messy house stresses me out. I'm really looking forward to getting that all in order. If I'm able to get my rack all cleared & set up, I'll look into doing Strong Lifts, but otherwise it might have to wait until the next challenge (but it IS in my future as of now!) 

[Lady Eleventy]

DUDE, love your tattoos. 

 

ANYWAY, whoohoo challlenge time! good luck with your goals, it sounds you got some great motivations ^.^

[stardust731]

DUDE, love your tattoos. 

 

ANYWAY, whoohoo challlenge time! good luck with your goals, it sounds you got some great motivations ^.^

 

Aww THANK YOU!!  I love them too! I'm sorry the pic isn't super clear of my backpiece...but I'll try to get clearer shots over the course of the next 6 weeks so you can see them all! I've got 20 individual pieces in total now so I'm definitely an ink fan 

[Lady Eleventy]

Aww THANK YOU!!  I love them too! I'm sorry the pic isn't super clear of my backpiece...but I'll try to get clearer shots over the course of the next 6 weeks so you can see them all! I've got 20 individual pieces in total now so I'm definitely an ink fan 

 

What, that'd be awesome! I am an ink fan too, I design tattoos (not ink them) as a hobby though I only have one right now. Who knew all of the huge pieces I designed for myself would be so expensive? lol! I do have one question. I am interested in getting one on the top of my shoulder and was wondering how your dealt with the bra strap problem (rubbing etc). I can't really run around without a bra (34 H, it would be a disaster) but I don't want the straps ruining the work... 

[stardust731]

What, that'd be awesome! I am an ink fan too, I design tattoos (not ink them) as a hobby though I only have one right now. Who knew all of the huge pieces I designed for myself would be so expensive? lol! I do have one question. I am interested in getting one on the top of my shoulder and was wondering how your dealt with the bra strap problem (rubbing etc). I can't really run around without a bra (34 H, it would be a disaster) but I don't want the straps ruining the work... 

 

Very nice! I was an art major in college (initially - before I changed majors) so I love sketching & designing tattoos! Most of mine were self designed and even if I didn't draw them, all the concepts were mine. And I agree with the price, sometimes its really hard to afford them! Thankfully, my artist is a REALLY good friend of ours, so hubby and I get killer deals on all our pieces. Hubby is currently working on a full sleeve that is gonna be awesome and then its my turn again! hehe! I'm already planning my next piece - so excited!! 

 

I found a pic of my backpiece that I took a few years ago (when I wasn't as chubby around the middle) but you can see more of the detail of the piece here:

 

 

And as far as bra straps go...my saving grace was HALTER TOPS!!! I seriously bought like 5 of them. Plus, I also got convertible bras from Victoria's Secret (where you can change the straps to be halter, one shoulder, strapless, etc) and wore those while I was healing. I also managed to find a 3-pack of Halter Sports Bras at Wal-Mart or Target (can't remember which) and those helped a lot too

 

You really only need to worry for about a week or so. Once you get over your initial healing & peeling period (they peel just like a sunburn does) then you should be fine to wear normal clothing again. So maybe plan your tattoo around a weekend where you don't have much going on (or maybe a long holiday weekend where you can bum around the house topless if you need to!) - just until you figure out your personal healing process. Most people average about a week to peel, most of mine peel in about 3 days - so everyone is different 

[Lady Eleventy]

Very nice! I was an art major in college (initially - before I changed majors) so I love sketching & designing tattoos! Most of mine were self designed and even if I didn't draw them, all the concepts were mine. And I agree with the price, sometimes its really hard to afford them! Thankfully, my artist is a REALLY good friend of ours, so hubby and I get killer deals on all our pieces. Hubby is currently working on a full sleeve that is gonna be awesome and then its my turn again! hehe! I'm already planning my next piece - so excited!! 

 

I found a pic of my backpiece that I took a few years ago (when I wasn't as chubby around the middle) but you can see more of the detail of the piece here:

 

 

And as far as bra straps go...my saving grace was HALTER TOPS!!! I seriously bought like 5 of them. Plus, I also got convertible bras from Victoria's Secret (where you can change the straps to be halter, one shoulder, strapless, etc) and wore those while I was healing. I also managed to find a 3-pack of Halter Sports Bras at Wal-Mart or Target (can't remember which) and those helped a lot too

 

You really only need to worry for about a week or so. Once you get over your initial healing & peeling period (they peel just like a sunburn does) then you should be fine to wear normal clothing again. So maybe plan your tattoo around a weekend where you don't have much going on (or maybe a long holiday weekend where you can bum around the house topless if you need to!) - just until you figure out your personal healing process. Most people average about a week to peel, most of mine peel in about 3 days - so everyone is different 

 

 

WOW! Those are beautiful! they remind me a lot of henna, especially the embellishments around the flowers.My husband and I are going to get our next tattoos together (not matching just at the same time lol) When I get clearance to go to Korea (he's Army). I think it's such a great bonding experience to share something like tattoos with a significant other! But, I'm weird and that could be just me.. hehe.

 

Really?! the answer to all my woes is that simple? VICTORY! Now to find halters in my size.. 

[stardust731]

WOW! Those are beautiful! they remind me a lot of henna, especially the embellishments around the flowers.My husband and I are going to get our next tattoos together (not matching just at the same time lol) When I get clearance to go to Korea (he's Army). I think it's such a great bonding experience to share something like tattoos with a significant other! But, I'm weird and that could be just me.. hehe.

 

Really?! the answer to all my woes is that simple? VICTORY! Now to find halters in my size.. 

 

Yup - halter tops are amazing for healing shoulder pieces!! Best of luck finding them!! Definitely look around - they should be pretty common within the next few weeks since Spring is almost here. 

 

As far as my back piece - that's exactly what I was going for. Henna pieces are symbols of celebrations of life events (weddings, births, etc) so used a lot of their patterns for inspiration. My whole back piece symbolizes everything I had to celebrate that year - we got married, we bought a house, I got my PT cert, etc....just lots of joy that needed to be expressed in ink 

 

And I agree, I think sharing tattoos with your other half is HUGE! Some of my pieces are inspired by our relationship and he's got aspects of "us" in his new sleeve too. I got this one around my left wrist before we got married - its an ambigram of "love" from both sides & used patterns off our wedding invitations to complete the bracelet going around

 

 

Oh I hope you enjoy Korea!! I've got friends that lived over there for a while and I totally love the culture! You and I can geek out over Korean Pop music & culture together - K-pop is a guilty pleasure of mine! 

[stardust731]

Hello! Here's my update for Day One of the Challenge! I wasn't able to get a lifting workout done - but I *DID* clear the area around my bench & rack so I can start lifting tomorrow. I've decided to just adjust my schedule and my rest day will be on Mondays instead of Sundays. This will just make things easier than trying to start something in a week and trying to keep myself moving in the meantime. 

 

Non-lifting aside - I got my 2 miles done today PLUS one of my "make up" miles from this weekend for a total of 3 miles done today. My first was a run/walk and the last 2 were a nice power walk. Overall, I'd say it was a good day! 

 

Food was on point all day - had oranges, almonds, a giant salad with turkey & honey mustard dressing (for lunch), apples, and a chicken fajita salad for dinner. It was fabulous! It was my boss' birthday today - cake & everything - and I am proud to say I avoided it all! YAY for little victories! 

 

Definitely a good start to a fabulous challenge!

 

01/06/2014:

2-Mile Time: 33 mins 

Top Speed: 5 MPH

 

Make Up Mile Time: 17:10

Top Speed: 3.5 MPH (consistent power walk)

[Super Destroyer]

Great job! Avoiding cake is a big victory! Hope you have/had a great day 2!

[stardust731]

Hey peeps! I hope you're all having an awesome Tuesday! My day was insanely busy but I'm proud to say I got everything done that I wanted to! Up at 430am & work at 6am. Got my 2 miles done while I was at work. My first one I knocked out in 13:42 (woot!) but after that my body felt drained so the second was a nice, leisurely 20 min mile. I've learned to listen to my body and today it was tired - so the last mile was nice & slow considering I had my first lifting workout this afternoon. 

 

While I was driving home, I got a call from the school nurse - my kiddo was in the office with a fever, so I unexpectedly had to go pick him up. I ran to the grocery store to grab stuff for dinner & then came home to put him to bed. Once he was out, I snuck into the garage & knocked out my first lifting workout of the challenge! Holy hell - today was Chest/Back day and I'm absolutely wrecked! After my workout, hubby came home & I made a killer veggie soup for dinner. While that was simmering, I knocked out my last "make up" mile of the day at a nice slow 20:00/mile pace again. After a quick date with my foam roller, it was time to eat & now I'm being a lazy brat...I feel like I've earned it today 

 

Evolution: Day One - Chest & Back

 

Circuit One - done in super sets together 20, then 15, then 12, etc with 60 seconds rest between sets: 

Bench Press: 20 X 45 lbs, 15 X 45 lbs, 12 X 45 lbs, 10 X 45 lbs, 5 X 45 lbs, 8 X 45 lbs, 16 X 45 lbs

Rack Chins: 20 reps, 15 reps, 12 reps, 10 reps, 5 reps, 8 reps, 16 reps

 

Circuit Two - done in super sets together with 60 seconds rest between sets:

Incline Dumbbell Press: 5 sets of 10 X 12.5 lbs each arm

1-Arm Dumbbell Row: 5 sets of 10 X 12.5 lbs each arm

 

Circuit Three - done in super sets together with 60 seconds rest between sets:

Dumbbell Flys: 5 sets of 10 X 5-8 lbs each arm

Low Barbell Rows: 5 sets of 10 X 45 lbs

 

So this workout felt awesome! It was super hard and I feel like I accomplished something awesome today. I think this is gonna be a good program and I can't wait to see how it goes! The 45 lbs weights were my Olympic bar with no additional weights - with this being such a high volume routine, I didn't want to pack on too many pounds and not be able to complete it. The 45 lbs seemed about right - by that last set of 16 benches and 10 rows my arms, chest & back were just toast!

 

Here's my mileage stats for the day too:

 

01/07/2014

2-Mile Time: 33:42

Top Speed: 5.0 MPH

 

"Make Up" Mile: 20:00 (easy speed of 3.0)

 

Food was on point all day again - so overall....a very good, but very busy day! Now its time for me to be lazy with my family & watch Netflix. Have a good night everyone!! 

[stardust731]

Great job! Avoiding cake is a big victory! Hope you have/had a great day 2!

 

Thanks so much my friend! I had a fabulous Day 2!! I hope yours was awesome as well!!!

[stardust731]

Okay peeps!! First of all - let me just say this....my day job is a freakin' war zone of crappy food!! Monday, it was boss' birthday & birthday cake in excess - which I avoided. Yesterday, a coworker brought in homemade cheesecake - which I proudly avoided as well. Today, we were "rewarded" with a giant box of freshly baked Einstein's Bagels - meaning that darn fresh bread smell was EVERYWHERE! DUDE - those bagels are so amazing (especially the Asiago one!) and I was stuck in a meeting room with them for 2 hours this morning smelling that fresh fabulous bread smell....UGH....BUT I can proudly say I avoided all those as well. But DAMN - why can't they "reward" us with fruit?? Or maybe some carrot sticks?!?! 

 

I think I deserve a darn medal at this point.....Okay....Carb Rant is over....for now.....

 

Here's my official "Day Three" Update for Yesterday! 

 

Sleep was crap, for some reason I woke up at 2am and couldn't get back to sleep until after 3am....no bueno when my alarm for work goes off at 430. So needless to say I was wiped out ALL day. BUT, I didn't let that stop me from my goals! I got everything done, but I didn't do any "make up miles" yesterday....that would have probably killed me....

 

Food was on point all day. As mentioned above, a coworker brought in homemade cheesecake and I avoided it like the plague. Hubby made homemade turkey chili for dinner & it was SO yummy! So I officially give myself an "A" for food yesterday!

 

Workouts - I got my 2 miles done yesterday, but I was so wiped out that I didn't get any "make up" miles done. And you know what - I'm totally okay with this. I'm not one to push my body so hard that I wipe out, that's how I get injured or sick. I got my first mile done at work and then the other at home after dinner. Because of my tiredness, I was a little short on steps yesterday (goal is 8000 and I ended at 7695) but I don't particularly care. Sleep & rest was more important than walking 305 steps around my house at that point. 

 

I *DID* get my second lifting workout done yesterday too!! Yesterday was Legs & Triceps day and it was super fun! Since my knee is still a little twerkey, I did my squats back onto a folding chair. I felt much more stable and was able to focus on the muscle contractions that way - instead of focusing on my knee not giving out. 

 

Evolution: Day Two - Legs & Tris

 

Circuit One - done in super sets together 20, then 15, then 12, etc with 60 seconds rest between sets: 

Barbell Chair Squats: 20 X 45 lbs, 15 X 45 lbs, 12 X 55 lbs, 10 X 55 lbs, 5 X 55 lbs, 8 X 55 lbs, 16 X 55 lbs

Skull Crushers: 20 X 12.5 lbs, 15 X 12.5 lbs, 12 X 12.5 lbs, 10 X 12.5 lbs, 5 X 12.5 lbs, 8 X 12.5 lbs, 16 X 12.5 lbs

 

Circuit Two - done in super sets together with 60 seconds rest between sets:

14-inch Step Ups: 5 sets of 10 X 20 lb kettlebell

Tricep Kickbacks: 5 sets of 10 X 5 lbs each arm

 

Circuit Three - done in super sets together with 60 seconds rest between sets:

Sumo Squats with Kettlebell: 3 sets of 10 X 20 lbs, 2 sets of 10 X 35 lbs

Overhead Tri Extension: 5 sets of 10 X 10 lbs

 

On my last 2 sets of KB Sumos I got to use this beauty for the first time!! 

 

Sorry its a little blurry, but he's a 35lb DemonBell I got for my hubby for Christmas! We totally love him! Hehe! 

 

Anyways, lifting workout was awesome! Lifts felt strong and solid and I've got some slight DOMS today so I'm happy. As far as the 2-Miles goes, here's that info:

 

01/08/2014

2-Mile Time: 34:15

Max Pace: 5.0 MPH

 

Overall - a great day! I hope you all had an awesome Day Three as well!! So far, Day Four is shaping up to be a good one too!!

[Super Destroyer]

Awesome. Great work, stardust! Cool demonbell!

[stardust731]

Okay - I got my "Day Four" workouts done early today, so here's the update for today! As I typed earlier, I managed to avoid all the crazy bagels at work today so that's definitely a victory for me! Food has been on point all day and hubby and I are planning to go out to dinner tonight....probably our favorite local Asian buffet...which means a giant plate of meat & veggies!! Woot!!

 

So my lifting workout today was Delts & Biceps. Since these are high volume workouts, I kept the weights light but still struggled with some of the reps - my baby biceps were totally thrashed by the end!!

 

Evolution: Day Three - Delts & Biceps

 

Circuit One - done in super sets together 20, then 15, then 12, etc with 60 seconds rest between sets: 

Seated Overhead DB Press: 20 X 10 lbs each, 15 X 10 lbs each, 12 X 10 lbs each, 10 X 10 lbs each, 5 X 10 lbs each, 8 X 10 lbs each, 16 X 10 lbs each

Seated DB Curls: 20 X 10 lbs each, 15 X 10 lbs each, 12 X 10 lbs each, 10 X 10 lbs each, 5 X 10 lbs each, 8 X 10 lbs each, 16 X 10 lbs each

 

Circuit Two - done in super sets together with 60 seconds rest between sets:

Plate Front Raise: 5 sets of 10 X 10 lb plate

Standing Barbell Curl: 5 sets of 10 X 20 lbs

 

Circuit Three - done in super sets together with 60 seconds rest between sets:

Lateral Raise: 5 sets of 10 X 5 lb plates in each hand

DB Hammer Curl: 1 set of 10 X 10 lbs each, 4 sets of 10 X 7.5 lbs each

 

I definitely took the time to concentrate on the movements and absolutely trashed my delts & biceps today. The lower weights allowed me to isolate the movements and really focus on hitting every muscle that I needed to. 

 

I got my 2 miles done today while I was at work and knocked out my "make up" mile after my lifting workout today. I hit a new max pace on the treadmill today - I was able to comfortably run at 5.5 mph today! Woot! My first mile was walk/run intervals and the second (and make up) were at a nice easy 3.0 pace. 

 

01/09/2014

2-Mile Time: 33:38

Max Pace: 5.5 MPH

 

"Make Up" mile: 20:00 (easy 3.0 MPH pace)

 

Since the day is not over yet, I won't evaluate my food or give myself a grade yet and I'll post my BM burns in the morning - but since I had some extra time I figured I'd post my workouts now

 

Hope everyone is having an awesome Day Four!!!

[stardust731]

Awesome. Great work, stardust! Cool demonbell!

 

Thanks so much! It was definitely a good day!! And I love my DemonBell too! 

[stardust731]

Hey everyone! I hope you all had a great Day Four! I know I did!! Hubby and I had a fabulous dinner out and I had a massive dinner of meat & veggies - I made sure to get about half my plate of veggies (green beans, broccoli, carrots & zucchini) and the other half was mostly chicken (not fried) in a variety of yummy sauces. I know some of the chicken looks like it is battered in the photo, but I swear it wasn't!

 

Considering it was post-workout and I knew it wasn't gonna push me over my calorie deficit, I was slightly ravenous which is why I allowed myself to eat 2 plates that looked like this:

 

It was damn good and I regret nothing! HAHA! Anyways - even though the meat wasn't fried, I avoided all the soups/rice/noodles/egg rolls/dumplings (they actually didn't even look good!) and I ate a ton of veggies - I am gonna dock myself a little bit because I'm sure some of those sauces had some sugar in it and there was a ton of sodium in it

 

I jumped a few pounds in water weight this morning, but it will drop off in the next few days with lots of water & lower sodium intake. Plus - I have a TON of energy today from that fabulous dinner, so I can't wait to see how the workouts go! My knee was a little tweaky this morning, so I might have to back off the running for today and just walk on the treadmill. I've been running every day this week and that's more than I've done in 6 months - I think my joint might need a slight break. 

 

Final Grade for 01/09/2014: 90%

Cardio = Done = 33%, Strength Training = Delts/Biceps Day Three= 33%, Food = good all day = 24%

[Super Destroyer]

Great day, and the meal looks delicious!

[stardust731]

Great day, and the meal looks delicious!

 

The meal was absolutely fabulous!!

 

 

The restaurant is a little family-owned place and the food is amazing! I could eat there every day and be a happy girl! Hubby can't go as often - one of his idiot ex girlfriends would only cook awful Asian food and totally ruined it for him - so he really doesn't like it as much as I do but he takes me at least once a month because he's just that awesome 

[stardust731]

WHEW - hello everyone! How are you all??? I know I've been a slacker & haven't posted this weekend - but weekends are usually my time to unplug & spend time with my family. SO - because I didn't do it over the weekend....here's THREE days worth of updates (and I'll post my Week One Recap in a separate post afterwards)

 

I am finally getting comfortable lifting again - so all these workouts I increased my weights from earlier this week! YAY! 

 

Friday  1/10/14:

 

Evolution: Day Four - Chest & Back

 

Circuit One - done in super sets together 20, then 15, then 12, etc with 60 seconds rest between sets: 

Dumbbell Fly: 15 X 5 lbs each, 12 X 5 lbs each, 10 X 7.5 lbs each, 10 X 7.5 lbs each, 10 X 10 lbs each

2-Arm DB Row: 15 X 12.5 lbs each, 12 X 12.5 lbs each, 10 X 12.5 lbs each, 10 X 12.5 lbs each, 10 X 12.5 lbs each

 

Circuit Two - done in super sets together with 60 seconds rest between sets:

Close-Grip Barbell Press: 3 sets of 10 X 45 lbs, 2 sets of 10 X 55 lbs

Rack Chins: 5 sets of 10 

 

Circuit Three - done in super sets together with 60 seconds rest between sets:

Dips: 5 sets of 10

Low Barbell Rows: 1 set of 10 X 45 lbs, 4 sets of 10 X 55 lbs

 

I got my 2 Miles done (both walking because my knee was tweaking) as well

 

01/10/2014:

2-Mile Time: 37:12

Top Speed: 3.5 MPH

 

Food was on point all day as well - so 100% on Friday for me! 

 

Final Grade for 01/10/2014: 100%

 

Cardio = Done = 33%, Strength Training = Chest/Back Day Four= 33%, Food = good all day = 34%

 

 

 

Saturday 01/11/14:

 

Since I knew my Saturday was gonna be busy, I made myself get up and get my workout done early in the day. Once my workout was done, hubby and I continued to clear out the house, we took another 340 lbs of stuff to the dump (broken bookcases, cracked patio furniture, etc.), an entire Mazda-full of stuff to Goodwill and continued to organize. Considering we've taken over 500 lbs (and filled the truck twice) I think we're doing a good job. 

 

That afternoon we were nice & lazy before an awesome night out. The kiddo stayed with his grandparents & hubby and I went and saw A.F.I. in concert! It was SO awesome! They're one of my favorite bands and I've never seen them live before, so I was super excited!! We took a bunch of pics - so I'll try to get a few of them uploaded later this afternoon   

 

Even though we ate out most of the day, I kept myself in line! We went to Outback and I had seared Ahi Tuna and a wedge salad - it was yummy! My only no-no was a Bombay & Tonic at the concert and a Sonic Ocean Water on the drive home once the show was over (I was SUPER thirsty so I allowed myself to indulge in the treat!)

 

So, here's my workout stuffs for Saturday:

 

Evolution: Day Five - Legs & Tris

 

Circuit One - done in super sets together 20, then 15, then 12, etc with 60 seconds rest between sets: 

Barbell Chair Squats: 15 X 45 lbs, 12 X 55 lbs, 10 X 65 lbs, 10 X 65 lbs, 10 X 65 lbs

Skull Crushers: 15 X 12.5 lbs, 12 X 12.5 lbs, 10 X 20 lbs, 10 X 20 lbs, 10 X 20 lbs

 

Circuit Two - done in super sets together with 60 seconds rest between sets:

14-inch Step Ups: 4 sets of 10 X 20 lb kettlebell, 1 set of 10 X 35 lb DemonBell

Tricep Kickbacks: 5 sets of 10 X 7.5 lbs each arm

 

Circuit Three - done in super sets together with 60 seconds rest between sets:

Sumo Squats with Kettlebell: 1 sets of 10 X 20 lbs, 4 sets of 10 X 35 lbs

Overhead Tri Extension: 5 sets of 10 X 12.5 lbs

 

01/11/2014:

2-Mile Time: 37:12

Top Speed: 3.5 MPH

 

Final Grade for 01/11/2014: 86%

Cardio = Done = 33%, Strength Training = Legs/Tris Day Five = 33%, Food = good all day except for booze & Sonic = 20%

 

Sunday 01/12/14:

 

Yesterday, I spent the morning hanging out with the family. We went out to breakfast (once again - I avoided all grains & stayed in line! Go me!) and we met one of my best friends for lunch at a Mongolian Grill. I had brown rice with lots of meat & veggies - it was super yummy and well within the realm of good foods!

 

Once home, hubby and I continued to organize the house and I was assigned "Paper Shredding Duty" - which ended up filling 3 trash bags once it was finished! EEP! I finally got the free time to complete my workout around 6:30 PM, so it was later than expected - BUT it was done!

 

Evolution: Day Six - Delts & Biceps

 

Circuit One - done in super sets together 20, then 15, then 12, etc with 60 seconds rest between sets: 

Barbell Overhead Press: 15 X 45 lbs, 12 X 45 lbs, 10 X 45 lbs, 10 X 45 lbs, 10 X 45 lbs

Seated DB Curls: 15 X 10 lbs each, 12 X 10 lbs each, 10 X 10 lbs each, 10 X 12.5 lbs each, 10 X 12.5 lbs each

 

Circuit Two - done in super sets together with 60 seconds rest between sets:

Plate Front Raise: 5 sets of 10 X 10 lb plate

Standing Barbell Curl: 5 sets of 10 X 20 lbs

 

Circuit Three - done in super sets together with 60 seconds rest between sets:

Lateral Raise: 5 sets of 10 X 5 lb plates in each hand

 

DB Hammer Curl: 5 sets of 10 X 10 lbs each

 

01/12/2014:

2-Mile Time: 37:12

 

Top Speed: 3.5 MPH

 

Final Grade for 01/12/2014: 100%

Cardio = Done = 33%, Strength Training = Delts & Biceps Day Six = 33%, Food = good all day = 34%